A broadband connection allows the introduction of broadband Internet at home. And with wireless LAN - also called “Wi-Fi” (Wireless-Fidelity, abbreviation constructed along the lines of “Hi-Fi”) - you can have this access on various computers scattered throughout the house, even close, without cable. And with the Wi-Fi products today, sharing an Internet connection is not only inexpensive and easy to use but also safe. This guide shows how to distribute high-speed Internet access to multiple laptops or desktop and how to build a secure network.
To set up a Wi-Fi, you need
a wireless router (top in photo) and an adapter for each system connected
- PCI card (left) for a desktop computer, PC Card (right) for a laptop.
The heart of a wireless LAN is a router. For example, we used the DI-624 AirPlus Xtreme G 802.11g D-Link. We also need a wireless adapter for each system that could connect to the network. We set up to do a PC Card DWL-G650 on a laptop running Windows 2000 and a DWL-G520 PCI adapter on a desktop computer using Windows XP Home Edition. As for the main computer, connected to the router via an Ethernet cable, it was under the control of Windows XP Professional edition.
1. Preparing installation
Some information will probably be useful to install the router properly. To get them, open the Control Panel, double-click Network Connections and then click the right mouse button on the Local Area Connection icon. Choose Properties> Internet Protocol (TCP / IP)> Properties. If the option button “Use the following IP address” is activated, your Internet access uses a static address. Note then the IP address, subnet mask and default gateway. Then click “Obtain an IP address automatically”. Click OK to apply the changes, then OK again to close the dialog box.
If you have a DSL connection, you’ll probably need the username and password required to connect to your service provider. If you do not know this information, look them in the software or documentation provided in your subscription. You may be prompted to uninstall the PPPoE software that was given to you by your provider. To find out, see the documentation associated with the router.
Also be sure to collect the MAC addresses of wireless network adapters that you will install. They are normally printed on each PC Card Wi-Fi and each PCI adapter.
Note: You may find instructions specific configuration of your router in the support pages of your website service provider or router manufacturer, especially if you use ADSL.
2. Install the wireless router
Before installing the router, turn off the PC and the modem, disconnect the Ethernet cable from the PC and connect it to the WAN port on the router so that unites the cable modem and router. Using a second Ethernet cable, then connect the Ethernet port on your PC with an Ethernet port on the router.
Connect the modem to the WAN port of router and your PC
to a free Ethernet port on the router.
Turn on the modem and wait until it connects. Then put the router and the PC. After starting the system, activate the browser and browse a few web sites to test your Internet connection.
3. Install the wireless adapters
Install a wireless adapter in each system may connect wirelessly to the router. If you use a D-Link (PC Card or PCI card) on a PC, first install the appropriate software from the CD provided, before putting the card in place. Then shut down the computer, install the adapter and restart the system. After initializing the Windows Add Hardware wizard should appear and automatically initiate the installation of the driver. If a message warns you that the driver does not have the Windows logo certification, ignore it and click Continue.
Install a PCI card in each of desktops
you want to connect to your wireless network.
Note: If your laptop includes a Wi-Fi capability, you do not need additional PC card.
At this stage, the physical installation is complete.